The Monarch Life Cycle

There are four stages during the life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly.  These include the egg, the larvae (caterpillar), the pupa (chrysalis), and the adult butterfly.  Female monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed, which is the only plant the caterpillars can eat.  These tiny, white eggs are often found on the under side of the milkweed leaves.  Once hatched, these tiny gray caterpillars eat their shell covering before beginning to eat milkweed. As they grow, they shed their skin up to five times and these are called instars.  Within 10 - 14 days after hatching, the caterpillar is fully grown.  At this time, the caterpillar locates a place to attach and forms a J-shape for its fifth and final shedding before moving to the next phase.  This stage of metamorphisis is when a beautiful green chrysalis is formed and the caterpillar is enclosed inside.  Within, the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. In 9 - 14 days, the chrysalis begins to turn clear, revealing the monarch butterfly inside. After breaking through the chrysalis, the butterfly wings are wet and must dry before they are able to fly which is a dangerous time making them easy prey.  Within an hour, the wings are dry and monarchs can begin to fly.  They are able to eat using their proboscis to drink nectar. Within a week, they are able to mate and the life cycle begins again!